Enjoying the "gees" of the FIFA Fan Fest™
Having fun in the stands. Photos by Coleen van Staden
Knowing I would not be attending a live game at our glorious Cape Town Stadium, my daughter and future son-in-law “dragged” me off to the FIFA Fan Fest™ on Sunday, June 27, for the Germany vs England game.
“Drag” may be too strong a word but, if truth be told, I was more than happy to sit, cosy and comfy on the couch, and watch my favourite team play (popcorn, hot chocolate and all the creature comforts of hearth and home on call).
But I am so glad I went! I enjoyed every moment of the Fan Fest experience – right from the train trip from the park and ride at Claremont Station (along with some very noisy English supporters) to the marvellous, revamped Cape Town station (although I do hope station authorities tackle the platform area as well – its very dingy in comparison with the spiffy new “foyer”). I loved the walk to the Grand Parade and bought all sorts of German supporters’ paraphernalia from the vendors and then joined the throngs to cheer on the game. The city put on her finest champagne weather, the mountain glowed and we had a blast. Good, cold beer, plenty of “gees” and some glorious football!
We finished the perfect day with my first-ever ride in a minibus taxi (I kid you not!) from the city back to Claremont. I have to admit to travelling the first couple of kilometres with my eyes closed and wondering if the change from fifty bucks would eventually make its way from the front of the taxi to the back of the taxi where we and our vuvuzelas were happily sardined! I opened my eyes from about Observatory onwards, we trumpeted our way south and the change reached us around about Rondebosch. I loved it! While we will all carry with us memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ long after it is over, my day at Cape Town’s Fan Fest will be my fondest memory.
The FIFA Fan Fest™ area
